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I'm from Louisiana, but wouldn't I love to move to Minnesota long enough to vote for Al Franken. To call him just a comedian is to seriously underestimate him. I have followed him since his writer days, and he is way more intelligent and insightful than than most of the politicians babbling on the Sunday morning shows. I think his fate was always to eventually get to politics--it's wonderful he came back to his beloved Minnesota.

I saw a recent poll that puts him just ahead of Norman Bush Coleman and I think he'll just pull away enough to win. Go Minnesotans, you're a wise bunch!

That Franken was a, huh, "colorful" character is nothing new. Minnesotans have always known that. So why would that ad be effective now, less than 2 months before the election? You have got to think that either Coleman has nothing better against Franken, or that he is desperate to change the subject, whatever the subject was.

The sad truth is that neither Franken nor Coleman should be a U.S. Senator.

The only reason Coleman has been in Washington for the past six years is that his 2002 opponent died untimely right before the election. Coleman was behind in the polls and would've gone down by a healthy margin. Minnesotans saw through the political opportunism he committed by switching parties for no other reason than to improve his chances at higher office. (Paul Wellstone, his opponent in that race, was a terrific public servant who is still missed.)

Franken espouses liberal positions and has tried to educate himself on policy, but his qualifications for the office are nearly non-existent. It's akin to Schwarzenegger's gubernatorial run, except Schwarzenegger was a bigger star--and a conservative--with more $.

Fix - FYI, Coleman's ad was the last ad before kickoff of today's Vikings game. I was watching in the basement with my Manning voodoo doll, so I didn't see how it resonated with the audience. However, I do see some long faces after my Manning voodoo doll let us down. Ugh.

I lived in Minnesota for ten good years and was a strong supporter of the late, great Paul Wellstone. So was Al Franken. To be absolutely fair, Al was born in New York, too -- but his parents moved to Minnesota when he was a small child; Norm Coleman grew up in Brooklyn. When he moved to Minnesota, he was a Democrat; he worked for Hubert Humphrey. He became a Republican allegedly because of his conversion on the pro-life issue, but really because his political opportunities were better on the R side.

Franken has said that he is the only NY Jew in the race who is actually from Minnesota, which is a pretty good description.

The ad reminds me of an incident in Paul Wellstone's second senatorial campaign; his opponent was haranguing a crowd about how Wellstone was "too liberal," when someone spoke up and said: "Listen, we know he's a liberal. So tell us something we don't know." People voted for Paul because he was genuine, whether they agreed with him on everything or not. And believe me, if you never experienced Paul Wellstone on the stump, you haven't seen excited! At his memorial service, Senator Tom Harkin told of his first encounter with Paul; Harkin turned to his aides and said: "Don't you EVER schedule me on the podium AFTER that guy again!"

Always remember that Minnesota has same-day voter registration. A lot of decisions can be made at the last minute; that's how Jesse Ventura was elected. A lot can happen between now and then, but I wouldn't write Franken off because he's a comedian; Minnesotans know that. Coleman's going to have to tell them something they don't already know, if he wants to win against a living opponent. And he'll have to convince them he's genuine, which in his case is probably an insurmountable problem.

minnesotans value passivity above all else. they are extremely passive and don't like any display of emotion. franken did not understand that minnesota is comprised of 115 yr old women. he comprehends that now and is totally at a sea. he has no idea how to sell them. norm has always been the nice boy. his only real pitch is that when he was mayor of st paul, he built a hockey rink. that takes him to lincolnesque heights in minnesota. paul wellstone too was the nice boy. it's a bipartisan status neccessary to win in minnesota. gov pawlenty is also a nice boy.

Sarah Palin just starting running for Vice President - the national media is just getting to know her - I can tell you this - I feel 1000% more comfortable with her in command in a National Security crisis as compared to Obama.

Obama has been in war games (scenarios which are run as part of seminars) as legislative training -

Other Senators have commented on how Obama hesitates when asked to make a decision, refuses to order the use of troops (in a war game situation) and will not order the bombs to be dropped (in a war game scenario.)

The Senators who have made public statements expressed doubt that Obama had the ability to handle an actual crisis.

Sarah Palin has the natural ability to lead this nation in a National Security Crisis - the nation can have confidence in her

"In light of the unfolding crisis in Texas, Senator Obama has decided it is no longer appropriate to appear on Saturday Night Live tomorrow evening," his campaign said.

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Since it is learned that the actual candidate that bumps off mutual opponent first will automatically win November's elections and it has nothing to do with issues and popularity polls, wonder if Obama's decision to cancel SNL show this morning and head back to Chicago tonight after rally in NH, is an orchestrated public distraction from his specific attempt to bump off mutual opponent in the middle of the night tonight instead?

Apparently the mutual opponent exposed corruption within both parties and is specifically targeted. It is also learned this party is wealthy so this is another motivation to bump person off.

The question is will Obama solicit an OJ Simpson convict type with jail time to do the bumping off? Will the Dem party employ the popular law enforcement practice of 'sweetheart deals' where such crimes/murders are committed by convicts in exchange for less jail time, conveniently covered up and real culprits publicly unsuspected?

Should we too have to worry about our family's safety as our habits and plans are known in advanced via bugging devices both in private and public places frequented? For example, should we worry when we do our routine jog, shop or are asleep in the middle of the night in the privacy of our home?

Okay, the comments are taken out of context and you need to understand why he said some of that stuff. The first clip is him yelling at a conservative radio host after Zed Miller had spoken and misrepresented John Kerry's record. Franken was pointing out things wrong in Miller's speech and the host said Miller did not say those things. Franken had a legitimate reason to be get upset because the host lied. There was a clip of him debating Ann Coulter, I applaud him for saying that stuff to Ann Coulter because how many times does she lie? I lost count. And Ann Coulter was lying in that clip. By the way Franken is a comedian and he will say nasty words, all comedians do that. You don't think politicians swear? I don't think this ad is as effective as the other one against Coleman. Coleman said no that he wasn't wrong to support the war. Coleman has Franken just swearing, duuh, he's a comedian what do you expect?

The ad is absolutely legitimate. These are, after all, Franken's own words. It's not a lie like most of McCain-Palin's ads. So the question is: How will this ad affect voters? I can't speak for anyone but myself, but I'd say that Franken seems very angry. Well, that's the way I feel, too. I'm angry at what the Republicans have done to this country. Very @!%*# angry.

Al Franken and his gang of thieves ripped off the Gloria Wise Boys and Girls Club Charity in Harlem, N.Y. of $875,000 by diverting their charity money to their liberal Democrat AirAmerica Radio Show in order to keep that show on the air, and now Al Franken want's Minnestotans to vote for him? Al Franken being Jewish should know what the word 'chutzpah' means. One would have to be as dumb as a post to vote for a piece of garbage like Al.

I understand his dilema. Its the personal dilema that most effetes grapple with. Lacking vitality, force, and effectiveness they "project" their insecurities onto the most productive members of our society.

A Psychologist would suspect a split
personality (schizophrenia) after comparing this montage with his "Stuart Smalley" character from SNL. No Al you really aren't good enough.

Regarding the late Senator Wellstone. I admired him. Unfortunately for you Al, you couldn't carry his jockstrap.

As a committed Democrat here in Mpls, I did not see any way that Franken could win this race. It is clear now he has a very, very good chance. And that is evidenced by who is advertising against him: The U.S Chamber of Commerce with a juvenile ad, and the national Republican committees. They must have data that shows a strong Franken position. The shriller they get, the stronger he must be.

Franken's angry, and frankly so are many of us. We reserve curse words for times when we're angry, but we know not to use them around younger, sensitive ears. But Franken used them in a different context, in a different place than prime-time commercial TV. Kids are not assumed to be in the audience.

Norm Coleman, who has surely used those words and anger himself because he's a human being, is wrong to make an ad of this; it will play on TV in front of kids. Even with the words and text beeped out, kids know what's being said. But now, because of Norm Coleman, they're given an excuse to say them anywhere, anytime, to anyone.

Minnesota, now there's some comic relief! You nutjobs in Minnesota seem to want to try anything once. It would be a lot more fun if Jesse Ventura was running against Al Franken. You guys would be in a win-win situation then. You could win a clown no matter what you did. You guys are just wrong, man, wrong. You have to apologize to the rest of us.

Oh, the ad just showed some honesty. It was OK. All the Coleman lovers will like it. The Franken lovers won't give a S$%#, and the undecided voters, some will find it offensive, some will be aghast at Franken's speech. Most won't care.

P.S. Al Franken is a blowhard failure. Norm Coleman is just another politician. We're f#$@ed anyway.

"Who Cares". Forget about who said what to whom. I am sooooooo tired of the infighting when so much has to be done. Givemeabreak,it is time for the candidates to speek clearly about the issues and how they will fix the economy, create jobs, build the future of Social Security, Defend the country and offer hope to American's out of work.

Obama should now be putting substance to his ideas so McCain's stupid lies simply don't matter in the face Obama's concepts.

I live in Minnesota, and I haven't seen this ad up. I've seen two anti-Franken ads at least a half-dozen times in the last couple days, but not this one. And I really question its effectiveness. I doubt they'll spend any real money putting this on the air...and if they do, I think it would be a disaster for Senator Coleman. If being mean sometimes--or having a temper--were a liability in politics, we'd have seen evidence of it before now. If anything, I think this ad HUMANIZES Franken--makes someone who's been portrayed as a rich Hollywood liberal seem more like a regular guy. Which is more poisonous in Minnesota--being Hollywood and thus out of touch--or having a bit of a temper? I would bet anything the temper charge has less weight.

Al Franken should be placed in the dustbin of political oddities who sounded great at the time, but couldnt' stand the test of time. His diatribe is too reactionary for this great state. If it were Massachusetts or Maryland, Perfect! But not here where we actually have people who think and not kow-tow to the politcal machine. This guy blows dead goats!

Let's face it, whether your a Republican or a democrat, the ad is very effective. Although this might not disturb some of the younger republican voters, as of now, RealClearPolitics.com show's that Norm Coleman is ahead in the polls and the last thing Al Franken needs is to lose the votes of his elderly voters that would take this ad as a true downfall!

When it comes to basic economics, goverment turns everything on it's ear.

It produces nothing. It does provide some necessary services for sure. Unlike
private industry services,however, there is no competition. So there is no
economic referendum which would expose(and kill off) whatever
services are the least needed or no longer justified or necessary.

There is also the problem of waste and inefficiency. All these things
can only be addressed by putting constraints on government income(taxes)
and through legislation, eliminating or reducing unneeded programs and thereby feeding
capital to the private sector.

One example is post-high school education. There is a legitimate need.
However, in large part because of government largesse we are
allowing students to access to higher education who couldn't even
get into college in most other industrialized(and even third world) countries.
And there is evidence that because of government policies, some of
our best and brightest students are not getting the kind of challenging education
in high school that they need.

What government does in essence is to re-direct wealth but it should only do so in the least and most effective and efficient way.

Government has grown to be such a large sector of the economy that it is
a balancing act to get it under control. The beast has to be tamed,though.

So, let's see. Minnesota Democrats have really nominated a has-been comedian and a loud-mouth buffoon to Paul Wellstone's and Hubert Humphrey's seat in the U.S. Senate. While I was no fan of their policies, I did respect their intellect and honesty.

Well go figure! What else would anyone expect from the state that elected Jesse Ventura govenor?

Mr Ecks writes
"The ad is hilarious, but not the way Coleman intended. Watching those clips of Franken makes me like him even more. So Franken uses rough language? So what? This isn't 1950. It shows Franken has energy and passion, unlike that milquetoast Coleman. If I were Franken I would thank Coleman for that ad."

Me too. Norm sitting there, all sanctimonious, saying "I approve this message because I thought you should see it." Gee, thanks Norm. The ad doesn't tell us anything new about Franken.

The real question is how it sits with swing voters. Who's Norm targeting here? People who can't handle language in rated R movies? I can see his base eating it up. But how will the swing voters react? Hard to say.

I came to the conclusion that Al Franken was a base humorless bore over ten years ago, long before I was aware of his political ambition fantasy. Have to wonder how this can be seen as an attack ad as these are Al Franken’s ravings spoken by the vulgar cretin himself.

The Democrats lost when they nominated Barack Obama over Hillary Clinton. Hillary would probably have won it for them, but Obama's toast. He'll get blown out big time come November. This election won't even be close.

It's about time Coleman and the Republicans got some ba**'s and finally are hitting back against the usual liberal lies, cheap shots, and take-no-prisoners distortions and made-up false facts. While I like the idea of using Al Franken's own words so the voters get to know the real slimeball Al Franken, I'd also like to see them use Al Frankens own history at his AirAmerica Radio Show. Al Franken was the top gun and in control when he and the AirAmerica Radio Show's other executives ripped off the Harlem Gloria Wise Boys and Girls Club Charity for $875,000 in order to keep their failing radio show on the air. This mostly black charity served the Harlem, NY community and helped not only the children but also the elderly and AID's sufferers. Because of this Al Franken/AirAmerica charity ripoff, this charity is no more. They can thank Al Franken for that. What's really sad about this is that the Main Stream Media has censored this story completely in order to get this piece of garbage elected.

Franken just doesn't seem sane enough to be a US Senator. Perhaps a Union Manager but not US Senator. I don't even know Coleman but I know if I lived in Minnesota I'd vote for him over Franken. Surely, Minnesota Democrats have a better candidate than this. After all Paul Wellstone was liberal but a good liberal and who could forget about Hubert Humphrey. Al Franken? You gotta be kidding me.

Lincoln Essay "A fragment on Government": "The purpose of government is to do for the people what they cannot do for themselves or cannot do so well for themselves." Check out Alexander Hamilton's declaration that Government's purpose is to forward the public's general welfare. Takes bucks to do this and even one penny of your money is a redistribution of wealth

Forgot about government nannies. In the words of a Great Republican, Lincoln, (sic) "It is the purpose of Government to do for the People that which they cannot do as individuals". I'll be right back with the exact quote.

"Dead on Dave, a Republican cannot believe in the redistribution of wealth! Now we have had two R's be honest and stand behind the foundation of Republican philosophy. Now get your candidates on every level to speak about this basic principle on the stage and in their adds. I'm not trying to be coy and I do not vilify you for your beliefs, I just happen not to agree and have no problem admitting it. But I am not running for public office and I think every voter should clearly understand what their party believes. So, Kate, stop being a lemming and understand what you stand for as a Republican, NO REDISTRIBUTION OF WEALTH!!"

What about the Republican belief in wealth redistribution through privatization? How many Republicans have enriched themselves in the past 8 years through bloated government contracts? Get a clue.

No Jimmy I did not say selfish, I said own up to that other guys statement of not believing in the redistribution of wealth. Shout it from the mountain tops. And stop degrading yourself, I'm sure you buy girl scout cookies, put money in the collection plate, and probably give blood. Get McCain to say what you say, NO REDISTRIBUTION OF WEALTH!

Dead on Dave, a Republican cannot believe in the redistribution of wealth! Now we have had two R's be honest and stand behind the foundation of Republican philosophy. Now get your candidates on every level to speak about this basic principle on the stage and in their adds. I'm not trying to be coy and I do not vilify you for your beliefs, I just happen not to agree and have no problem admitting it. But I am not running for public office and I think every voter should clearly understand what their party believes. So, Kate, stop being a lemming and understand what you stand for as a Republican, NO REDISTRIBUTION OF WEALTH!!

How did Al Franken do when he was a host at that Liberal Radio Station? I'm not going to name it and give it publicity. It has a microscoptic audience...not main stream. Sort of out of touch with most grown up working Americans who are trying to raise a family and pay bills.

Come on, you Minnesota folks... the rest of the country only recently stopped laughing at you for Jesse Ventura. If you elect Franken, you better pray he's a better legislator than comedian...I remember his early SNL shticks which consisted mostly of him repeating his own name.

Remember the book Franken wrote: "Rush Limbaug is a Big Fat Idiot"? We need a book on Al; it could be titled Al FrankUN: UNprepared, UNinformed, UNfair, UNfunny and (hopefully) UNelectable. The good people of Minnesota can elect whomever they wish. But if they elect FrankUN, this former comic (and I use the word loosely) and failed angry radio host will have the biggest joke on you. You will join the ranks of the other communities with laughing stock political officials such as the San Francisco Board of Supervisors and Berkeley City Council. But then Congress, with its single digit approval rating (9% recently), doesn't seem to take the people's business seriously, so it likely couldn't get much worse.

So Goferit, gas tank's full, got a few bucks in the bank, and still making the mortgage payment. Thanks for your concern. I am a Republican though, and using your logic, I must be selfish. The constitutional government of the United States wasn't empowered with the authority to be my nanny, nor yours.

Al Franken is an immature washed-up Hollywood idiot porn-writer who should be laughed out of this race. What I find frightening is the large number of people actually SUPPORTING him in the comments. Since when has it been illegitimate to use a candidate's own words against them???

Kate. Redistribution of wealth is stuff from the Communist Manifesto. You want to distribute your wealth, go right ahead. Nothing stops you. However, do not use the power of the Federal Commisariat to force me to distribute my hard earned wealth. You are not a Republican. You are a RINO. Stop lying to yourself. Change party affiliation. You'll feel better.

Some sitting Senators have said similar things on the floor of the senate. At least we know he is a zealous Democrat and sometimes he says what he feel without sugar coating it. What's wrong with that? One person above inferred that it points to the fact he has nothing to say. Well, I think he is saying how disgusted and fed up he is with the folks that have taken this country in the wrong direction.

Dah, I did not speak Franken, I only challenge you stop being a selfish Republican that only knows how to judge other people with your so called values. Where you wanna start? Cheney's daughter, Sara's kid, or your family? Besides you forgot to tell us if you checked the gas in your tank, money in the bank, and mortgage debt. Who you gonna call?

Yo Goforit, I don't speak Franken so your rantings appear wasted. Truth be told though, Al Franken has done the state of MN a favor by drawing out the fringe weirdos that think the government should be their mommies and daddies. Republicans should remember what it means to adhere to values, and democrats should learn what values are in the first place. The traditional values crowd laid the foundation of this country. It'll remain a strong nation as long as those values exist and are practiced.

I would rather hear swearing than an attitude of selfishness by someone who does not want to redistribute wealth. Let me remind him, it is the redistribution of wealth that provides education and security in this country. What arrogance! I am ashamed to be a Republican knowing this attitude exists.

You Minnesotan's crack me up. First Jesse, now (hopefully not) Al. To Patti, these rantings of Al are not the expressions of a passionate citizen, but the tirades of a spoiled child. This guy, Al Franken, is a left wing nut case that only a state like Minnesota could elect (although I hear the people of Minnesota are incredibly nice folks). Also, Mike, McCain 'reportedly' called his wife a 'wh*re' and a 'c*nt'...really, reportedly. It sounds like you're, 'reportedly', an idiot. Grow up, both of you. By the way, if Minnesota does elect this clown, you folks will be a true 'laughing stock'. Good luck with this election.

Yo Goforit, I don't speak Franken so your rantings appear wasted. Truth be told though, Al Franken has done the state of MN a favor by drawing out the fringe weirdos that think the government should be their mommies and daddies. Republicans should remember what it means to adhere to values, and democrats should learn what values are in the first place.

The ad is hilarious, but not the way Coleman intended. Watching those clips of Franken makes me like him even more. So Franken uses rough language? So what? This isn't 1950. It shows Franken has energy and passion, unlike that milquetoast Coleman. If I were Franken I would thank Coleman for that ad.

What I want to know is why this carpetbagger isn't running in New York, where he has lived for the last 36 years. Al likes to make fun of Rush being fat but I wonder if he has counted all of his chins lately. At least four.........

LOL.. well, there isn't a democrat on the major scene that has any real ideas or anything important to say. The only thing I keep hearing is "don't vote for evil Republicans". That's all they have said for 20 years, what have democrats done? What have democrats changed? What are they saying they are going to change in the future?

And locally.. look at the areas in the US that are in the worst shape. ALL are run by democrats. From the state levels, right down to the city levels. SHOW ME one place that is run predominantly by democrats?

Al Frankin, is more of the same. BLOW HARDS full of criticisms but SPEECHLESS when it comes to answers.

Good response John, now see if you can get your heroes to say the same thing. I bet they want to tell the American people those same words. John you got guts, like Moose. Get McCain and down the list to say that. Let the whole world know how you feel and you suspect every other Republican feels the same way. Honesty,I say, up front in your face, my hat is off to you. Get the point?

Who cares about Franken's temper? The real issue is that Norm Coleman is the only adult in this election. Franken is a card carrying member of the loony left. It wouldn't surprise me if he thinks George Bush planned 9/11.

David, go get a spot of tea, consider the ilk of profanity, then read the bible about making judgment. Moron,bet you've got no guts to tell Al that to his face. Yawn, typical Republican. Now go measure the gas in your tank, money in the bank, and mortgage debt. Who you gonna call?

In respone to Goforit, my family's two cars both have full tanks of gas, we have a small amount of money in savings, have about 9 years left to pay on the mortgage, contribute to employer based health care and live in a middle class area of New York State. What's your point? I'm suppose to vote for a libocrat to redistribute wealth to whom? And why? We don't love money, but we WORK HARD for it and don't believe it should be redistributed to those who DON'T.

Posted by: John in New York State | September 12, 2008 8:03 PM | Report abuse

This is just about right for this Communist
He epitomizes the american democrat party for the last 8 years. Mean spirited, blame America first and impeach Bush.
Red

I remember when Franken stormed off the Michael Medved show, live with this ad showing you some of his comments.

What you have to ask yourself is what would a person like this and the other religious bigots in the Dimz party do IF elected?

The tender mercies of Stalin, is but one indication of what Marxist atheists like this would do unless their wheels, like Pharoah's, come off when the sea of public opinion comes back with a vengeance...

When you are up against a complete lune like Frankin there should be no holds barred. He is a schmuck comedian with no sense for what government is about. He should stay on stage, and has no place in any part of government. I love the ad! It's spot on and shows the citizens exactly the moron Frankin is.

Moose, you got guts! With a name like that, Sarah the moose hunter VP, Cheney the VP shooting his partner... Yep, you got guts. Now get some brains, tell us how much gas is in your tank, money in the bank, and mortgage debt. Who ya gonna call?

Al is a boorish, ignorant fool suffering from a typical case of arrested development (like most "liberals" who refuse to grow up and join the real world). He would have made a good "brown shirt" in Germany before WWII, screaming, cursing, brawling with, and intimidating political opponents, but never a US senator. When push comes to shove, I don't believe he really would have the courage to back up his fighting words. If he yelled at me I would UFC him "right now"!

As a former resident of the Great Frozen North, I have to wonder how someone as utterly vacuous as an Al Franken ever got beyond polite laughter in his stab at politics. Can the Minnesotans I know and (at least in one case) love be similarly vacuous, or did they just fail to have a good look at this creep before they put him in serious contention for the United States Senate? The world may never know, as it may never know what hole this mental midget crawled away to after his crushing defeat.

And yeah, there's his Beavis & Butthead-caliber vocabulary. 8^D A technician I once worked with used to say:

By the way, the Republicans have absolutely nothing to run on, so they stoop to the politics of personal attacks. That's makes them pretty pathetic. How many of us have privately expressed our anger over the past eight years? I don't think Al is the only one who's sworn at the reich, he's just more high profile than most.

I find it entertaining to see how many Al-haters claim that electing him will make MN the laughingstock of the nation... Didn't that ship sail when you elected Jesse "The Body" as your governor? Al is a great American who is one of the few people brave enough to speak what the rest of us are thinking about the selfish and incompetent Republicans who have driven this great country into the ground over the past 8 years. I'll be sending my check to Al's campaign NOW.

These clips represent the honest outrage of an American citizen expressing how angry he is with the corruption, lies and bs which has been part of this administration and FOX News. I applaud his honesty and wish there were more authentic expressions of disgust. This country is so hypocritical on so many levels. Run on family values but pick up your second wife in a bar before you've divorced your first wife who, by the way, although not in the Hanoi Hilton, spent those years raising your children and waiting for you.....missing from the video montage of the great hero John McCain. Obama can't be too angry or disgusted with McCain because he risks being perceived as an angry black man. Well, I'm an angry white woman and SO SO SO sick of all of this. What else does Norm want us to see? Wasn't the collapse of that bridge in his state? Isn't that even more obscene than the f word? Isn't it obscene he'd spend his time and money raising money and making ads about Al Franken's language - when he should be focused on doing something to improve this nation.

Well American Soldier, a typical Repugnant, judging people. What I really miss is my leg that is still laying around in Iraq. No I'm not angry of that because I have no needs. So tell us about your gas tank, bank balance, and then give the answers, not remarks.

That's righteous anger at the repeated Republican lies, deception and incompetence over the past eight years. You speak for me Al! We need more of that in Congress if we're going to break through the status quo and get something done. Give 'em hell, Al!

If Minnesotans elect Al Franken to the Senate, they will end up being the laughing stock of the nation. Should Franken be elected to the Senate, I would be very surprised if he provides any meaningful leadership or judgment, much less put together and lead a staff that has as its sole purpose - looking after their constituents. Like new tricks for an old dog, Minnesotans should not expect much from a burned out and irrelevant comedian.

Thank you, Minnesota Democrats. With Obama at the top and Franken in the #2 slot on your ballot, you have now made it easy for people to vote straight Republican, including Representatives and state and local races, if any.

Trust me, I've seen say Franken far, FAR worse. FOX News showed a video of him going off on Brit Hume. It was a maniacal tirade so laced with obscenities that you could barely understand the context. It's almost unbelievable that Minnesotans would even allow him to win the Democratic primary. Good grief, what are you folks thinking up there? I've sent Norm a bunch of money from NC. Before you people in Minnesota rip me for meddling in your business, check and see how much the Hollywood liberals and chic-left New Yorkers have pumped into Franken's campaign.

Nobody is watching TV or going to the movies...I suppose actors, falied talk show hosts, and commedians have to try and find employment, let's hope Minnesota keeps the unemployemnt rolls of actors,commedians and faild talk show hosts fat...

These democrats are going off the deep end.
It is so much fun to watch.They see it all slipping away now that the phoney shine that the media tried to give obama has worn off.They are so scared now and dont know what to do.

obama/biden ? WHAT A JOKE.

I can sum up the downfall of the democrats with one word. !!!!!! SARAH !!!!!

Al Frankin is a perfect example of a liberal. He's ignorant, foul-mouthed, biggoted, and crude. If this is the type of people who are going to represent us in Congress, then we deserve to lose our country. He is discusting and I think that the ad clearly shows this.

While Al's words are coarse they are real. For Republicans to plead innocence is sickening enough for anyone to scream the same way Al does. Phony copy cats, idiots like Rush, constant judging the weather and changing coarse. Republicans hate social services, hate women making their own choices,hate fixing health care, hate Constitutions, but love money and big business. Go check how much gas is in your tank, money in the bank,debt on your house then tell me you want to believe a Republican has the answers.

The Democrats choosing Franken as their candidate in Minnesota is beyond absurd. This ad is exactly what had to be expected, and there oughta be plenty more just like it. Franken is a boor, a buffoon and moron.

Not hard enough, as far as I'm concerned. Al Franken... a D-LIST actor and SNL throw away...with a vocabulary so vulgar, only 1/20th of what he says is fit to repeat publicly... in a position of authority in the government? Please -- someone -- send him to Iraq for a month (I'm sure ANY unit there will be glad to take him on), and when he comes back, maybe his twisted perception of life will have changed. Doubtful, but there's always hope.

Pathetic, that Norm can't differentiate between show business and politics. Go Al, kick Norm's ass as far as it can go!!!
I guess that Norm thinks Mrs. Palin has a lot of experience to be President as well.
Just look at that sad face.....

Personally I dont get it. How can anyone take Al seriously. As a Minnesotan I am ashamed. I am neither Republican or Democrat and it never ceases to amaze me just how pathetic a candidate a major party can produce. This is it? This clown should be Senator? This is change we can believe in? It is a sad commentary on all of us.

I have met many people from Minnesota, and they were all very different ... downright strange, deranged in most cases, to say the least. Look at the track record. It is no surprise to me that they have voted this lower-form example of the species into office.

I think Franken is too crude to be a Senator. The nation needs to return to civility in both thought and action starting with high ranking leaders. The Coleman ad was very effective and to the point imo. Cel

I think I remember one time Barack Obama attending a racist church...No wait - he actually did! But it's OK now he said he doesn't share those views ANYMORE. I Do remember Al Franken being an average comedian, a terrible radio-host, and even a worse candidate for public office. Pee Wee Herman bashed Bush recently...does that qualify him as a dem candidate in Minn.?

Great stuff! It's about time that Republicans lose their fear of telling the stark, yet ugly truth about the loons on the left -- with Al Franken in the role of chief madman. Franken's entire political persona is based on nothing more than guttural, inordinate hate. Regardless of one's particular politics, this clearly is not the kind of person we want representing the interests of the great United States.

Al Franken is a typical bygone era Saturday Night Live nit whit. He still can’t take criticism, but can dish it out. What a man-boy he is! When will this brat grow up? Big Al’s not fit to run for mayor of a city let alone Senator. Minnesotan’s have your head examined if you vote for this idiot.

Funny thing not mentioned in Dirt Bag's commercial when Al Franken says you are wrong and need to apologize to caller. Likely some obscene comment by a Coleman supporter 2 years ago when Franken hosted a talk show.SO WHAT, was he spposed to ay what a brillant comment Bush apologist. What a yawner, you call that tough Dirt Bag Bush Apologist insulter of a real American hero Paul Wesllstone, weeks after he and his wonderful family tragially died? Next to Tom Delay, Coleman stands at the bottom of the food chain. You couldn't carry Paul Wellstone or Al Franken's briefcase and you were otherwise set to be crushed 2 weeks after his death and otherwise never to be heard from again. Insulting the deceased is the lowest form of humanty that pales in comparison to anything Franken said in response to a likely obscene caller.

Good for your Norm!!! On one side B.O. is claiming a new kind of politics, yet the same supporters of B.O. are supporting Franken who does nothing of the knid when it comes to a "new kind of politics". Double standard? You decide.

Well said Fleck. Al Franken needs to move to whatever country he would be happier in. He hates America and everything she stands for. I'm thinking Northern Georgia where not only his views be appreciated by the new government there...once he says something bad about them they'll simple have him shot. That's how freedom of speech works in a country that seems to fit Al's views.

The only thing more ridiculous than viewing the clip of this buffoon masquerading as a legitimate candidate is the author of this article exhibiting his liberal bias by questioning the ad. But why would anyone expect anything else from this liberal rag's mouthpiece.

If Minn elects this Retard(Franken), then they get what they deserve. Coleman has been an excellent senator and could be Prez material, for both repubs and "pull your head out of your ass" democrats...

I used to watch franken on SNL, and I could swear they hired a retard to do the show.

first obama and now franken. the dems are totally out of touch with the average voter. they listen to the radical fringe and it will cost them yet another presidential election and minnesota senate seat.

all you dems, remember this comment when you're scratching your head, wondering why obama and franken both lost handily.

Having seen Franen on the SNL days which were great, then seeing him flip-out after the Iraq War, it's a legitimate question as to whether this guy should be senator.

Seriously, having seen the rage this guy and people like Al Franken had after the Iraq War went bad, I only wish I had seen it on September 12th and directed right at certain people in the middle east.

Upon reading several comments, it appears poster "B. Manion" really has an ax to grind with Dan Qualye. I mean sheesh holmes, get a life. The only thing questionable about Quayle was thet he looks like Pat Sajak.

Al Franken ?? Really ?? The guy gets a radio show on a bogus network that scams the government to get money and Minnesota is thinking he should represent them in Congress ?? From all indications the guy is an idiot with no experience doing anything but writing drivel for SNL during the drug era... things like this make the world think America has lost her mind -

It's a sorry state of affairs when using a candidate's OWN WORDS is viewed as unacceptable and "mean-spirited" - by the opposing candidate -
But we're supposed to believe their OWN WORDS when it's in their own commercials?

Al Franken ?? Really ?? The guy gets a radio show on a bogus network that scams the government to get money and Minnesota is thinking he should represent them in Congress ?? From all indications the guy is an idiot with no experience doing anything but writing drivel for SNL during the drug era... things like this make the world think America has lost her mind -

I now live in Arizona but was raised and attended school in Minnesota. The ad showing the personality and character of Al Franken is right on the money. The man has neither the intellect nor temperment to be in any sort of deliberate body. He is a crude, disagreeable, extremely distasteful persn who has developed an ego out of proportion to his abilities based on his career as a rude comedian who appeals to the MTV, comedy club generation. The Democrats who nominated this man are the same sort who booed Trent Lott at the Wellstone memorial. Shame and defeat on them.

The fact is that Franken has a history of being a hothead. These clips are funny - but probably the only one that means anything is when he is expressing his hatred toward republicans. Make no mistake - he absolutely hates people based on an affiliation with the right side of the political spectrum. Case in point is when he blew up on that 19- or 20-year-old college republican last year. It was embarrassing. He simply couldn't contain himself. And this guy didn't even get in his face. He just had the audacity to have different beliefs than Franken.

I don't know if you've ever met a politician before, but even the least effective can put a veiled smile on and happily greet anyone they meet. If Franken is elected, be prepared for more of this behavior...though it could be kind of entertaining.

It is an absolutely fair ad that Coleman used, and he should have used it a long time ago to expose the rotten, mean-spirited little man that Franken is. He has no place near public office.

I hope that Franken loses badly, and that is takes a lot out of him personally, professionally and financially. I only wish I could move to Minnesota in time to register for the election and vote for Coleman.

The language used is not the problem, but the result of it. The problem is that this is an extremely self-centered individual who has absolutely no respect whatsoever for views that are not aligned with his. A person like this will be ostricized by both parties and will do little good for the people that would elect him. My Mother used to say that profanity is a strong expression of a weak mind. To send such an unstable person to Washington who displays such disdain for those that do not share his beliefs - clearly unable to compromise - would be a serious error. You folks need to get past the emotional issues.

Howitzer? This is a BB. Anyone with an IQ over 30 knows that Franken is a profane adolescent *{%>. I trust Coleman isn't wasting any money broadcasting this. There are plenty more substantial things he can be spending his campaign funds to say.

What's wrong or too harsh about using Franken's own words? Pretty hard to claim they're out of context; he obviously didn't think before he spouted off each time. Just another typical Hollywood whack job who thinks he knows best for the world (or MN) without ever having to do a constructive thing in his life. Keep talking, lefties. Tell everybody what you really think.

A lot of times these types of ads take statement s and twist them out of context. Unfortunately, Al Franken acts like this. I expected something new. This is the same character we've witnessed time and again. I think the ad accurately portrays him and his inability to engage in civil discourse. That is an imporant part of any public leader's job.

The only thing wrong with this ad is that it does not show what a titanic ass Franken is. Interview the "Saturday Night Live" staff who will be honest about his behavior and his verbal abuse of them. What ever happened to Davis? It used to be "Franken and Davis." I think he came back to Minnesota after about 35 years because he thought the he was a cool celeb, who would be so loved. He thought he had it coming...sort of like Hillary. Well, he is going down like his "Air America" network and financing scandal, his vulgarity and his tax dodging. Oh, I guess he does have one thing going for him: He is stunningly handsome. Minnesota women will just keel over for him.

You libs are precious. Franken is the best you can come up with from all the Dems in your state? I hope he wins. You deserve him. My Dad used to tell me that people get mad and yell when they've reached their capacity to develop an intelligent argument. Franken must be angry when he wakes up. A pathetic loser, and a whole crowd of loser bloggers defending him. Minnesota - you are America's circus.

Al Franken on the Senate Floor? He'd have poor little Harry Reid wetting his pants. Hey, any state that can elect Jesse Ventura as Governor is capable of anything. The senate is a joke anyway so you might as well add another exotic animal to the zoo.

It's hard to argue when the tape shows Franken saying all those things himself. Personally I think the guy is kind of a duffus myself. I'm an independent who voted for mostly dems in the last election, and will probably go mostly dem again....but I will NOT vote for Franken.

Wow, Coleman's had some type of COSMETIC SURGERY done on his face! I haven't seen him on the tube in quite awhile but there's no question he did something to his face. What an arrogant and vain fool. Didn't he and his wife pose in bathing suits for some mag? Anyway, he's had either a FACE LIFT, EYE JOB, or did BOTOX, but he's definitely altered his face.

Come on the worst ad I seen this year, Franken a commy marxist liberal running ads against Colemen and the war! We won you idiot we won the God Damn war! Franken is irelivant! What his idea Surrender? Wimpy little democrat pud that no one will ever listen too, In Nov Coleman 64% franken 36% a blow out! I love it Frankens Mesiah the Muslim Obama has no coat tails people are fleeing from him like a sinking ship, just another worthless Marxist Commy Liberal! Obama by Oct 20th is out of money, he spent 800 million plus and will lose by 25% at best if not worse! Democrats blew a 17% advantage now is 2% by a liberal poll so they are down by 6-10% they lose the House the Senate and Obama loses by the largest margin ever for a Presidetial candidate, folks Obama is not raising enough money and the DNC is dumping him, that's right Howie Dean thinks Obama is toast as do most Democrats! FEAR is consuming the Democrap party It's Over for Franken and Barry Husien Obama the Muslim idiot! Franken, Reid Peelosi are 07% aproval and you think you will win, delusional go back back on Prozaq you'll need it in NOV a slaughter against do nothing no drill Democraps!!!!!!!!

If it was said in private then why was it recorded and why was it made public?

And as far as being embarassed goes....lets talk about the current Republicans in both the Legislative AND Executive branches being embarassments.

Bush can barely string together a cogent sentence in public and started at least one war on a BALD FACE PACK OF LIES that every one else in the world except his supporters could tell were lies...Leader of the free world my A$$

Cheny's got a gun....but can tell the difference between a quale in flight and his hunting partner a few feet away

How many REPUBLICAN politicians in the last two years have been involved in PUBLIC, AMORAL and LOATHSOM acts of sexual indiscretion mostly involving MINORS

Former VP for Bush Senior DAN QUAYLE couldn't open his mouth without changing feet:

"I was recently on a tour of Latin America, and the only regret I have was that I didn’t study Latin harder in school so I could converse with those people." -- J. Danforth Quayle

"Republicans understand the importance of bondage between a mother and child." -- Vice President Dan Quayle

"Mars is essentially in the same orbit... Mars is somewhat the same distance from the Sun, which is very important. We have seen pictures where there are canals, we believe, and water. If there is water, that means there is oxygen. If there is oxygen, that means we can breathe." -- Vice President Dan Quayle, 8/11/89

"What a waste it is to lose one’s mind. Or not to have a mind is being very wasteful. How true that is." -- Vice President Dan Quayle (Editor : if anyone should know the cruelty of this problem first hand...)

"The Holocaust was an obscene period in our nation’s history. I mean in this century’s history. But we all lived in this century. I didn’t live in this century." -- Vice President Dan Quayle, 9/15/88

"I believe we are on an irreversible trend toward more freedom and democracy - but that could change." -- Vice President Dan Quayle, 5/22/89

"One word sums up probably the responsibility of any vice president, and that one word is ‘to be prepared’." -- Vice President Dan Quayle, 12/6/89

"May our nation continue to be the beakon of hope to the world."-- The Quayles’ 1989 Christmas card.

"When I have been asked during these last weeks who caused the riots and the killing in L.A., my answer has been direct and simple: Who is to blame for the riots? The rioters are to blame. Who is to blame for the killings? The killers are to blame." -- Vice President Dan Quayle

"Illegitimacy is something we should talk about in terms of not having it." -- Vice President Dan Quayle, 5/20/92 (reported in Esquire, 8/92)

"We are ready for any unforeseen event that may or may not occur." -- Vice President Dan Quayle, 9/22/90

"For NASA, space is still a high priority." -- Vice President Dan Quayle, 9/5/90 (Editor's favorite)

We need to elect a man who will stand by his commitment reguardless of what the media, pundit, or other elected officals may say to currie favor with the electorate.
We need a man who has our best interest at heart and will not bend to the pressure of special interests. A man who sees the dangers in the world and faces them head on, who know what it is to see thousand of our best and brightest fall at the hands of our enemy and not flinch or give in because the going is tough. Who will not bend to the pressure from the leaders of other countries who do not have American values and our best interest at heart.
Someone who carries out his commitment to us even when we grow weary and faint of heart. Even when we turn our backs on him he still will carry on, even under taunts of an unrelenting jeering mob, who question everything about him.
Where can we find such a man?

Jeff in Phoenix writes
"The fact that filth like Franken could actually win a nomination for the Senate is testament to how badly the Democratic party has spiralled down into radicalism. Everyone knows what a foul-mouthed, hateful hothead he is, but registered Dems vote for him anyway."

Jeff, you apparently aren't very familiar with how the DFL works in Minnesota. Franken earned support from the rank-and-file DFLers - and the party activists - by spending the last election cycle doing stump speeches & fundraisers for DFL candidates throughout the state. That means showing up at county fairs to talk farm policy, and speaking to rotary clubs in places like frostbite falls. Its frankly something of a thankless job. Point is: he played the dutiful party warrior and helped the DFL party faithful that select the endorsees at each convention. So when it came time to endorse a Senate Candidate, Franken could say "remember Bob, when I helped you out at the county fair last year?" And he basically swept the endorsement process. Out-of-staters like to characterize him as some kind of new york/hollywood carpetbagger that moved home on a whim to run for office. The truth is he has spent a lot of months walking the walk, criss-crossing the state, talking to voters, helping other party candidates. Like him or not (and I don't care for him as a candidate), he did earn his spot to represent his party.

Al lives in my neighborhood downtown Minneapolis. I've seen him around sometimes. He's a nice enough guy, but... He's pretty feisty. This is totally fair game for the Coleman camp to use, I was listening to the Medved show when he freaked out on there, which they show a quick clip of in this ad. It's nice when people can argue politics without coming unhinged like Franken can do sometimes. If you need to yell it probably means that you have a weak argument.

Let me see it reminds me of someone the name slips me now let me think hmmmmmm hmmmmmm who was it .......OH YEAH DIDN'T THAT UPSTANDING REPUBLICAN PRESIDENT NIXON TALK JUST LIKE THAT? The only difference is that Al does it in public and speaks like that that to those who deserve it! Nixon and I suspect other repubs do it behind closed doors hoping they don't get caught. Of course we all know that Norm Coleman neveer talks like that does he.

Yes everybody, other politicians have dropped the F-Bomb and yes it hasn't seemed to hurt them but....can you really change anything in Washington if you resort to going one better in the bad manners department. Here's the thing I have lived in places where I have almost always been represented by Dems and I often do not agree with them but at least publicly I treat them with respect and as far as I have had contact with them the have treated me with respect. If any one thinks its possible for Al Franken to treat a Republican older voter with respect I think is sadly mistaken. By the way how would any Dem think of having Rush Limbaugh as their Senator.....enough said

Very interesting to continually hear wildly vague comments like this from Mike:
"This is the worst president in history" with absolutely no reasoning behind the slander.

I guess if you've got an interest in seeing America continually terrorized by her enemies (i.e. you're a traitor) that could be true.

I guess if you think we should be governed by the UN or EU, subserviant to China, Russia, and Cuba, and you're a patriot of the world like UH OH Bama, that could be true too...

And if you agree with Vincente Fox, that the U.S. is wrong (and stupid) to enforce her borders against illegals (encouraged by the Mexican government!) to sneak into this country to rape-kill-and-pillage, and send the money home, that could be true too.

Keep 'em coming Norm!!! Al Franken is a disgrace and a joke. He doesn't deserve to run for dog catcher. I am proud to be a ------- conservative! Senator Coleman should be reelected easily with this pathetic competition!

Al Franken was a failed comedian on Saturday Night Live and a failed talk show host on Air America, a network which would not still be broadcasting without generous donations from that noted patriot, George (the Socialist) Soros. If the good people of Minnesota want to have a failed comedian as a senator, I guess that's okay if they don't want to be seriously again. I mean, didn't they have a failed wrestler as governor? How that work out for them?

Franken...You are an idiot. You have destroyed your chances of winning ANYthing years ago. Good luck with this. Too bad Phil's wife was not your wife. We would still have Phil, and no one would have noticed you were dead.

How could it be over the top? It's his own words. I think it is important to know what people say, how people act, what they think of other people. Past behavior is the best indicator of future behavior.

The fact that filth like Franken could actually win a nomination for the Senate is testament to how badly the Democratic party has spiralled down into radicalism. Everyone knows what a foul-mouthed, hateful hothead he is, but registered Dems vote for him anyway. I think it's perfectly fair to expose the character of this phony, and with luck enough moderates will get the message and stay away from him in November.

C'mon, Weird Al Pwns! Rofl, if my fellow Minnesotans vote this turd in, Wisconsin will gain a new citizen. Geez, the fact that this moron is even a consideration is unbelievable. Hmmm, maybe he'll charter a plane to Duluth, and we'll get lucky once again. nahhh!

Is this really even a tough decision for Minnesota? A foul mouthed, pasty faced liberal as your Senator? Well, you did vote in Jessie the body as Gov. In the end, Frankin will end up on a liberal radio show, oh wait, that failed. Sorry.

How brave of you to anonymously stand by your case. I applaud the example you set for the rest of us.

I don't know what skits he wrote, nor do I think SNL hasn't had its bad years. But it is likewise ridiculous to argue that a guy is a failure after writing for the longest running comedy show currently on television for most of the years its been on the air. Whether you like the show or not, writing for it for several decades is not the definition of being a 'failure as a comedian'.

You get the kind of government you deserve. For the most part people make a judgement on who to elect based on some sound bite on TV. There is no real effort to look into the qualifcations of the people running. The problem with all of these ads is lack of context or depth. People wrap themselves in a party so they don't have to think about who they are voting for, just follow the party line. When you do this type of thing you can get highly unqualified people. The second big mistake is to take a single issue be it abortion or gay marrage and vote base on this issue. As a consequence the country is split along the lines of the party and the issues.
Voting to elect someone to office is not a high school popularity contest. This is serious business and the people we have elected in the recent past of both parties have spent the country in to debt byond our ability to repay and are now on the brink of taking us deeper into this hole.
No one asks the question, What happens when the government goes broke? Oh, that can't happen! It can and has happened and if you don't believe me you are a product of the modern school system. We need to wake up and smell the coffee, put people in office that take govenment out of your life and if you think the government is not doing enough for you the problem is most likely you are not doing enough.

I am from MN and to be honest, I figured it would be worse. Al Franken has thousands of hours of tape to choose to edit down to a 30 second ad. With all the satire, sarcasm, and anger from Franken's radio show, I think this isn't as bad as it could be.

To be honest, Franken's Fish ads about Coleman are much more effective.

I think it may turn off some closeted people still living in 1950's "civility" but really I think this will have a benefit. This is the worst president in history, and he is expressing what many people feel. At this point its anger from the last 8 years and it will be nice to see someone expressing it like I would. It's the same old identity politics that let Sarah "I can see Russia from Alaska so I'm practically Henry Kissinger" Palin say she's qualified (for anything) and get away with it. People "identify" with her.

The Left and the Dems are melting down faster than the North Polar Ice Cap...what "coming ice age" you say...ok faster than a once small town mayor running for VP...first interview..."hit out of the park" you say ok...faster than John McCain's bid for Pres..."beating Obama in the polls...REALLY?!...wow to use Al Franken's words they are F*@#$D!

Doesn't go far enough!! Al Franken is a disgrace. A venomous washed up "comic" who doesn't have to sense to come in out of the rain. He should pay more attention to paying his bills than running for office. If the people of Minnesota elect this moron then they deserve what they get.

Doesn't go far enough!! Al Franken is a disgrace. A venomous washed up "comic" who doesn't have to sense to come in out of the rain. He should pay more attention to paying his bills than running for office. If the people of Minnesota elect this moron then they deserve what they get.

Skippy writes
"The only reason Franken is in politics is because he failed as a comedian."

Only a deluded con would call 20 years writing for SNL a 'failure' as a comedian. What's with you guys that you can't admit the guy's funny once his political affiliation is known? Go watch the Stewart Smalley skit with Michael Jordan doing self affirmation & tell me Franken was a 'failure' as a comedian. That, of course, has no bearing on his potential as a Senator. But neither does your claim of his being a comedic failure.

First of all, the question is moot. They are Franken's own words. How can they be morally evaluated as being short of or beyond the pale? The ad let's Franken's own persona stand testament to a radical left mind berift of core principles and ravaged by a malignant hatred for anyone not in lockstep with radical liberalism.

Minnesota is known for the odd people it tends to elect. Putting a hate monger like Al Franken into the Senate from Minnesota would say a whole lot about the mental condition of the citizens of that beautiful state.

All the democrats at their best is to offer a clown up for the U.S. Senate seat..come on Minnesota, you folks are better than that. Vote Coleman in November."

He was never a professional, but Coleman is something of a clown himself. We have three clowns running in this three ring circus, if you count Coleman, Franken, and the Accidental Senator, Dean Barkely, whom Gov Ventura (clown in absentia) appointed to complete the late Senator Wellstone's last term.

I may have to go with a write in, for Jack Uldrich, who failed to beat Barkley for the IP nomination.

No surprise that the media (in this case the Washington Post) think's ultra-liberal idiot Al Franken's ad is "terrific", but oddly has no opinion on the opposing view. All they have to say is that the response ad is "hard. Really hard. . .", suggesting that response was maybe too hard, maybe even unfair. Poor, poor Al "the victim" Franken.

Where's the JUSTICE?

Consider this you limp liberals, how the "fairness doctrine" would impede on your efforts to prop up the shameful at the expense of the just.

The only reason Franken is in politics is because he failed as a comedian. Only now his brand of politics isn't laughable, it's awful. And as a comedian he was only rarely funny. He must have been successful at something?!

The ad is necessary, and begins to hold Franken accountable for his actions. The past is often a good indicater of the future. Franken isn't good enough, or smart enough, and you'd have to be a fool just like him -- to like him.

ALL liberals are a cancer to freedom. They will not fight for it, nor will they protect it. Yet, they bask in its glory like they are the ones who achieved it. They are the only weakness the USA has. If it were up to me, they would be exiled from the sacred land that we live and have spilled our blood to protect. They have no honor, they have no creed, and in my eyes, they have no worth.

You better believe Coleman has more stuff on Franken. As I understand it, the campaign has a copy of the book, 'Pants on Fire: How Al Franken Lies, Smears, and Deceives.' There's a chapter in there proving that Franken is a plagiarist.

Well, he's not the 'usual' person running for Senate..but I didn't see anything that is really all that scary about that commercial. I'm more concerned about what kind of policies a Senantor would fight for (or against) then a few curse words.
Trust me, my problem with Dick Cheney has nothing to do with him cursing on the Senate floor...it was his naive ideas about statemenship.
Go Al!

Great ad. MN is a cesspool of people like Franken. That's why we moved. They elect a muslim and think about electing someone like Franken. If they were going to give the world an enema, they might think about starting in Minnesota where the people can't see beyond their noses because they were raised to support the DFL and they do so blindly. BTW.. Coleman is a RINO, but I loved the ad and he needs to be relected until they find a conservative to run and beat him.

It's an effective ad and it will be very interesting to see how it plays in the Twin Cities as opposed to outstate. Coleman has to run against his ties with the Bush Administration and Minnesotans are still very, very sensitive to the swift-boat tactics of the last election. This ad might trigger memories of those tactics and force the Coleman campaign to move to another ad. At the very least it buys him some time and drives the debate for the next week or so.

The Democrats were well aware of Franken's past and some party insiders tried to convince others to stay in the race, but we have an odd endorsement procedure here and Franken worked the caucuses perfectly. After the caucuses it was a foregone conclusion that Franken would win the nomination.

I also wonder if Coleman didn't have this in the can well before the DCCC ad. I'd be willing to bet that Coleman is slick enough to hold on running the ad with the fear that another Democrat would win the nomination. That's probably too conspiracy minded, but Coleman has gotten where he is by being pretty slick (though not that smart).

Finally, Coleman and Franken are both carpet-baggers, though Franken less so. Coleman is from New York and only moved to Minnesota after he finished law school. When was the last time you heard a Minnesotan with a New York accent? You haven't you betcha. Franken moved to Minnesota when he was 5 or so and lived in St. Louis Park until leaving for college.

Wasn't there a big colorful book in the late 1970s written about the phenomenon of Saturday Night Live, when it was still in its supernova phase, that documented the almost nightly heavy drug use of the performers and the actors, almost down to a man, as described to the author, when that behavior was hip and the source of pride and compliment? I can't remember for sure of Franken was mentioned specifically in it, but many of the writers were, and they were stoned for so many hours of every day that it was considered a miracle they put out such a good show.

B. Manion: What is said in private and what is said purposefully in front of a camera are two different things. Do not justify bad behavior with more bad behavior. If Franken gets elected look to be continually embarrassed.

i AM from minnys-oda and i think Norm Coleman is a jerk. He used to be a Dem, but then he saw an opportunity when Bush was popular to jump to the other party. He's just an opportunist, not even really from here as you can tell by his New York accent -- (the debate with him, Jesse Ventura,and Skip Humphrey was a hoot when they all ran for governor. It was the battle of the bad accents.

I think Franken will probably put together an extended version of that tape...

and I don't have feelings for the guy in either direction ...

but the clips are predominantly from one time where he is joking with a DJ (you can clearly see the DJ laughing) ...the tail wrap up of a speech he did as a comic of a bit he did at a political function, a lift from the book on tape where he was reading from his entertainment...

I just think this really is going to end up biting Coleman in the a$$

and i really don't care one way or another for Franken

just saying this ad has shadows of the politics that are ...well not true.

Franken is an example of what's wrong with politics. He's no more qualified to serve the masses than Rachel Pendergraft,but didn't they have a Governor who claim to fame was the World Wide Wrestling Federation?

Well if Franken is a bad boy for being such a "potty mouth" as a private citizen what does that make the Republican Party's versions to God and Jesus Christ more commonly known as Richard Milhouse Nixon and George Walker Bush? While in the White House as President they have been recorded using language that would easily make a sailor blush for no other reason than gratuitouse self saticefaction, and getting away with flying off in fits of hysterical rage that would make any despot envious. At least Franken was pontificating...so if his distatful language and mildly bad temper disqualifies him as a mere Senator what the F#$K qualified Nixon and the current Bush to be presidents???

What I find "too much" is your pro-Democrat bias. You say that the Democrat add is really good, but wonder if Senator Coleman's ad is too much. I happen to think this ad is really good and the other one is terrible, but then I'm not a reporter who is in the tank for the Democrats.

The Dems are so pathetic. Since they have no new ideas other than tax the rich and think that will pay for all of their socialist programs they compare every Republican candidate to Bush. It's not working with McCain and it won't work with any other Republican. The polls are showing people aren't falling for this "McSame", "McBush" garbage. No surprise as libs are notorious for self-destructing. Just didn't think it would happen so soon.

Makes me wonder if the good people of Alaska weren't a whole lot happier with their previous anonymity. Now that the lid is off the GOP septic tank up there (first Stevens, now Palin), they're going to need a first class turd herder to clean this mess up.

This is a terrific ad that shows the true Al. Al is in this race for Al and not the people of MN. What does he think of the people of MN? Well just listen to the ad again and I think you will have your answer.

Al Franken is a very clever comic of that generation that grew up with little reverence for anything but their own sentiments. He is the embodiment of the carnal selfishness that constitutes the Democrat Party. He is perfect. He will go down in his own flames.

Al was funny with the parabolic dish mounted on his helmet getting zapped by lightning during the Iowa caucuses the 1980s SNL skit. But I would rather have Dennis Miller as a senator if forced to choose a not ready for primetime player.

Al was funny with the parabolic dish mounted on his helmet getting zapped by lightning during the Iowa caucuses the 1980s SNL skit. But I would rather have Dennis Miller as a senator if forced to choose a not ready for primetime player.

SEN.COLEMAN IS JUST A WATERBOY,FOR CHENEY
YOU GO AL, KICK THE HELL OF OF THAT PHONEY
COLEMAN USE TO BE OUR MAYOR IN ST.PAUL,
ALL HE DID WAS COMPLAINT ABOUT,OUR REPUB. GOVERNOR AT THE TIME,NEXT THING YOU KNOW
HE'S A REPUB.AT LEAST FRANKEN STANDS UP FOR
THE AVERAGE MINNESOTAN,AND STANDS UP AGAINST THERE LEADER RUSH LIMBAUGH,COLEMAN
DON'T HAVE THE DECENCY TO APOLOGIZE TO
THE UN.SEC.GENERAL FOR HIS FALSE ATTACKS
WE ARE BETTER THAN THAT NORM.WE IN MINNESOTA WERE TAUGHT THAT IF YOU WERE WRONG TO MAN UP AN ACCEPT RESPONDIBILTY
WE WERE ALSO TAUGHT THAT YOU DON'T CONSPIRE
AGAINST YOUR COMPETION,TO SABOTAGE HIS
AIRPLANE,SO YOU CAN WIN HIS SENTORIAL SEAT
BY RUNNING AGAINST A DEAD MAN.SHAME ON YOU
THANK YOU AL FOR RUNNING,AND YOU TO OBAMA.

The rest of America is seriously afraid of which Minnesotans are going to turn out for this election. The sensible ones who will bounce this nitwit out of the election, or the odd ones who allowed Jesse Ventura to run amok.

It's only your reputation Minnesota...you can join California in being an oddball if you wish, or you can do what's right and put Coleman back in the seat.

As for the ad, most of these guys, McCain included talk like sailors in private. Franken has more camera around, big deal. Can you blame him he's that mad at Republicans. I am. Anybody "offended" was voting for the dick, Colemen anyway.

Al is a liberal. His wrongs do not count. He is smarter than those of us clinging to our guns and religion. Maybe Charlie Rangel can put in a good word for him. If he wins, the people of Minnysoooda will be so blessed.

It appears that Coleman is somewhat paranoid to use this type of message. Typical GOP stratagy when they cannot defend their stance with their massive failures of the last 8 years. Let us all hear what Coleman plans to do about our loss of control in Government to the will of the corporations that he has supported and endorsed. Ask Mr. Coleman how many laws written by big business that he has supported and voted for.......

THought maybe you'd like an UNBIASED opinion on this instead of all these idiotic remarks.

If these quotes we're all politically related - and not entertainment related - then they should be considered fair game. I think, because of Frankin's former line of work, anything considered part of his job (albiet to boost ratings or entertainment value) would be misleading to use regarding Frankin's potential "temperment" as a politician.

As someone who despises negative advertising, if any of these quotes are from political public speaking... then Frankin has to ear it.

That said... I'm ALL for Frankin and would vote for him if I lived there.

The guy is a complete knucklehead. That behavior also qualifies him as a middle-of-the-road democrat. What's a far left dem? The far left of the dems were the ones running through the streets during the Republican convention.

For you people not convinced and razing the guy for saying McCain "reportedly" called his wife names, it's a fact jack! It is stated as fact in a recent book, with witnesses. What do you need, a video tape? The author states there were about five people there and he confirmed it with at least two as I recall. I think he even named names. They were reporters I think. Next up is when McCain has been asked about it (recently at a town hall) he poo pooed the question (can you blame him) and said the audience does not like that sort of language, and moved on. Did he say that he never did? No, No and NO! I forget the book and who wrote it, but you can spend time checking it out if you like. Anyone looking at this would come down on the side that it is EXTREMELY likely he did lose his temper and call his wife a c*nt. So there!

If Franken (stein) gets elected we are in serious trouble. He is a hate monger and a disgrace. The ad was perfect showing Frankens true colors. He is definately a loose cannon put fits perfectly into the Democrat Party. As they say "Birds of a Feather.

Franken is an idiot. Send him back to air-head america where he should be. If the people in Minnesota are stupid enough to vote for a clown like this...well, they will get what they deserve: A washed up comedian/former entertainer tasked with making decisions for them on real world problems. Franken is in over his head and real people will suffer.

for those franken apologists who think that profanity in a business or entertainment setting is not an indication of a stained character....and a defective morality.....I have something for you to ponder : when a grown man (and I use that word in his case with great reservation) has so little internal restraint, refinement(and is not the least bit ashamed of his flaws) it is universally a sign of deep, entrenched sinful habits that have not been repented of---this acting out like that never occurrs in one who has repented of his moral transgressions.....the point being that he is at war within himself....he has no peace of mind.....his anger and violent outbursts are symptomatic of a much deeper problem....WJC is a classic example of the same net effect of sexual sin unrepented of....it creates an internecine war that manifests itself in outbursts of a classless nature....If the founding Fathers knew we had sunk so low as to even be considering people like franken for high office, they would very likely shed tears for our once great nation.....

I am a Democrat and was absolutely shocked that the DFL was interested in Franken. How could such a foul mouth, pornographer sexist ever get selected by the party of Walter Mondale, Hubert Humphrey and other great Minnesotans. Just shocking. I don't always agree with Coleman and miss Paul Wellstone, but Franken ... Oh my.

agree or not, the guy belives he can just tell the pubic to vote for him. Like many, he is a very small step away from needing serious help. And yes many minnesota nuts just put him on the ballot in November.

Wow, un-named reporters say anonymously that John McCain called his wife the "c" word. Well, color me completely convinced then. You can't get more definitive evidence than that, huh. By the way, a friend told me that someone he knows saw somebody say on the TV that he heard that another friend of his brother's nephew's cousin actually read in a blog that John McCain called Jesus a "poopy-head" once. It was on the internet and everything so you can take that to the bank.

This is the only year, due to Bush's popularity, that a guy like Al Franken would have a chance in a political race. The guy is an idiot and that 30 second ad doesn't show 1% of it. God help us if an Al Franken starts making decisions on a national level.

Pretty tame if you ask me. I thought Coleman was going to him hard? Heck, this is just using Franken's own words. If he is stupid enough to say this garbage, then he deserves to get it tossed back at him.

Minnesota politics ... land of Jesse Ventura, Walter Mondale, Al Franken. Pretty funny. Must be something in the water of all those lakes. I don't know ... I think his temperament is just in line with the other hateful, angry, infantile, loony lefties.

As far as the honesty of the ad - It does show that on at least 5 occasions Franken got angry and on three of those he used profanity. It doesn't tell us anything else. No Context is offered other than the location and date.

Not an unfair ad, but I think it would be most efective against an unknown. Given his history and his success in canvassing the state over the past year, Franken is definitely not an unknown

I don't think the ad will change anyone's vote or help them make up their mind.

BARACK SAID...WORDS COUNT...FRANKEN BABY IS RESPONSIBLE FOR HIS WORDS, AS MUCH AS ANYONE....he has become the joke of Minnesota, a filthy mouthed, ignorant, power hungry person! The sad truth, FRANKEN is really just like most LIBS...WHINE, WHINE, WHINE, when you don't agree with them!

Franken is a typical Leftwing vulgarian. They are permanent adolescents stuck in grown up bodies. A slip here or there is human, but this is normal behaviour for them. It's "cool", or so thinks Al Franken. Child.

I'd be more concerned where Franken seems on the issues. Honestly, I think the guy is a windbag full of emotions - especially hatred and jealousy towards the Republicans. He always loses his cool - like a little kid - when he's proven wrong, and rather than just admit it and move on, he has to throw a little temper tantrum hissy fit. Hey Al - move back to Canada and re-invent SCTV.

I like it. It shows Franken as the hot headed clown that he really is. I am hoping that people is MN aren't so dumb as to really take this idiot seriously, but the voting public never really surprises me anymore. Look at how many half-wits are in the tank for "Obam-uh", the classic Chicago politician.

Sure, people cuss. As you pointed out Kennedy cussed. You also pointed out that it was behind closed doors. There are people who have the temperament to express their frustrations privately and then clean it up in public when greater decorum is required. And then there are people like Al Franken, and apparently you, who don't possess that important skill and, what's more disgusting, don't care.

My major complaint with the ad is that it doesn't go far enough in pointing out what an incompetent loudmouth Franken is. If you've listened to him or (God forfend) read his drivel, you realise Franken doesn't have the temperment to be a garbage collector let alone an elected official.

Its really different seeing the vulgarity as opposed to someone telling about it. If someone can't control their speech any better than that...my gosh, who would want to vote for him. what else could he spew out?
Better think about Franken before voting for him. A loose coment like those could start a war.

Coleman's new anti-Franken video is puerile. Only a very immature person would think using sound bites from a show-business performance on matters totally unrelated to today's economic and political problems, measures a candidate's fitness for public office.

What I fail to see is how this isn't "honest?" It's as honest as honest gets...it's his own words. Now whether you think him acting like that disqualifies him that's another question, but there's nothing dishonest about using his own words.

Holy sh*t! People F***ing curse! Who would ever have though that type of cr*p happens in the real world?

Obviously I'm being sarcastic. It seems apparent from this ad that Coleman is the one who doesn't have the temperament to be senator. If he can't even run an honest campaign without resorting to these McCain-like tactics, and thinks somebody cursing disqualifies him from public life, then he's got to get his head examined. John Kennedy cursed quite a bit behind closed doors (see Ben Bradlee's book on conversations with Jack for examples). I hope the people of Minnesota ignore this garbage.

Anybody who knows Franken's background as a comedian and the author of "Rush Limbaugh is a Big Fat Idiot" won't be surprised by this. Coleman may think this is shocking but I suspect the Minnesota voters will find it ho hum.

As a native of Minnnesota, but years removed, it's clear that the ad plays on something called "Minnesota Nice," see, Keillor, Garrison. The idea is that people just shouldn't talk like that, and it will play very well in the rural parts of that state that Coleman was expected to run well in the first place.

Beyond that, it presents an opportunity for Franken to turn around the "you are wrong and you have to apologize, Man," and tell Coleman what he has to apologize for.